Room seven

Romanticism and early 19th century British

British painting in the early 1800s carried on many of the traditions of the previous century. Portraiture was still of central importance, and paintings of noble subjects from the Bible and from ancient and modern history continued to be produced. However, at the same time less elevated types of subject matter - such as paintings of animals, field sports and picturesque scenes of rustic life - developed in popularity.

With the end of the Napoleonic wars, British travellers could visit the mountain and river scenery of Europe again and the classical landscape of Italy was once more a magnet for artists. In Britain, the transformation from a mainly rural, agricultural economy into an urban, industrial one gathered pace and modern cities became subjects for some artists. Major provincial towns, including Liverpool, became important centres of art with their own institutions for teaching and exhibiting.

Room displays can change due to loans, conservation work and display renewal. If you intend to visit the Walker Art Gallery to see a particular artwork, please telephone 0151 478 4199 beforehand to check the artwork is on display.